The UK is preparing a major expansion of its missile arsenal, focusing on cruise missiles, as part of a new national defence strategy, according to the UK Defence Journal.
Under the new plan, the UK aims to significantly increase its inventory of Tomahawk and Storm Shadow cruise missiles to build a more robust deterrent force.
Chief of the Defence Staff Admiral Sir Tony Radakin said cruise missiles, while not as destructive as nuclear weapons, are intended to be deployed in the earlier stages of a major conflict.
“We are not as lethal as we want to be. Storm Shadow and Tomahawk represent a level that should precede the nuclear option. We need more ‘rungs of the ladder’ before a nuclear response is considered,” Radakin said.
A Storm Shadow cruise missile under the wing of a fighter. Photo: MBDA
The planned stockpile of 7,000 missiles will include new long-range British systems as well as increased quantities of existing Tomahawk and Storm Shadow missiles.
Details on delivery schedules and integration with Royal Navy and Royal Air Force platforms are expected later this year.
Radakin described the missile expansion as “a shining example of practical change that needs to be implemented as soon as possible.”
Asked by members of Parliament which reforms would have the most impact in actual combat scenarios, he placed missile rearmament at the top of the list.
The updated defence strategy, released in early 2025, outlines substantial changes to command structures, force deployment, and weapons stockpiling.
The reforms are designed to address threats posed by potential adversaries, particularly Russia, and to a lesser extent, challenges in the Indo-Pacific region.
Earlier, Militarnyi reported that the UK and Germany plan to jointly develop a new deep-strike missile with a range of over 2,000 kilometers. The project is part of a broader effort to strengthen defence cooperation between the two countries.
